Watercress and Arugula Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette
A crisp, vibrant salad featuring peppery greens and refreshing citrus dressing, perfect for a light meal or side dish. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs Watercress, Arugula, thinly sliced Radish into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 3 cups Watercress
- 3 cups Arugula
- 1 medium, peeled and thinly sliced Cucumber
- 2, thinly sliced Radish
- 2 tbsp Extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp Orange juice
- 1/2 tsp Dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp Sea salt
- 1/8 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp orange juice, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp sea salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 3 cups watercress, 3 cups arugula, 1 medium peeled cucumber thinly sliced, and 2 radishes thinly sliced.
- Step 3: Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently with tongs until all greens are evenly coated and the dressing is absorbed.
- Step 4: Let sit for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Watercress and Arugula Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Watercress and Arugula Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep watercress from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Watercress and Arugula Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Watercress and Arugula Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Watercress and Arugula Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette?
Mediterranean salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★☆☆☆
Didn't come together the way I expected. Flavors were flat.
- ★★☆☆☆
The proportions seem off. Way too much of some ingredients.
